Panama Canal, right around the corner

Well, we made it to Naranjo, then over to Benoa where we staged to make our passage to Panama City. We need to round Punto Malo (Bad Point) which as it’s name suggests, can be sketchy. Strong rip tides, currents and heavy boat traffic going in and out of the Bay of Panama make it scary to say the least. Once we arrive, we’ll check into the country and do some much needed provisioning. We are down to pasta, Raman and a few canned goods. Provisioning was very hard in Panama, with little to no stores or tiendas. The good note is that although we couldn’t find any beers to buy (all in bottles and the bars won’t sell them), they only cost .50 a piece….nice!

We just left Benao and rounded Punta Malo. We’re heading to Isla Tabago, then on to Panama City. My parents just booked their flights; they’ll be arriving on 9/1, returning on the 11th. We’ll be going through the canal sometime during that window. In the meantime, my front seals on the engine (previously replaced in Mazatlan to the tune of $1000 are leaking again. I’ll have them replaced and perhaps pull the engine for a complete overhaul before my parents arrive. It’ll give me some time to test the work in the Perla’s for a week or so before heading to the Caribbean. Looking forward to the San Blas and Colombia. Hope this email finds everyone well! Start saving some money for the holidays, it would be great to have some visitors in the Caribbean for the holidays!

Dan